You Can Teach an Old Dog New Tricks

Dogs that are reaching their senior years can be taught anything you want them to learn. Although it may take a little more patience to teach them, it can be done. Older dogs are slower than pups, but still willing to please their leader and do what you want them to do.

Dogs reach the senior level at different ages. Some dogs are old at five and others at fifteen. It depends on the breed, size and general health of the animal. You may not be able to make an aggressive dog totally submissive, but you can teach them to behave.

You can easily teach a dog one word commands. You should also include hand signals in case that senior member of your family has some hearing loss. Hearing loss is not uncommon in older days. The key to the training is consistency.

Your pal should be rewarded for performing a desired behavior without prompting. If your dog has been taught to sin, down or be quiet at certain times and does it without prompting, something totally irresistible should be the reward. Perhaps a piece of hot dog. Treats that the dog cannot resist and you may think are taboo are often the best way to get your dog to learn the things you want him to do in a shorter period of time.

Once the dog learns the behavior, add a hand signal or word cue to have the behavior repeated and reward with the same treat. The word cue should not be repeated, but spoken once. If you dog has reached a point where he is losing his hearing, speak louder and use a hand signal at the same time. It the dog does not perform, the opposite of the reward is used. That would be no treat, not punishment.

Using tips like this can get your dog to perform many different commands. You can teach the more complicated tasks one part at a time.

These lovable seniors can be house trained or to stop barking on cue. It takes time to reteach the pup to go outside for his business rather than a corner of your home. But it can be done. Separation anxiety is another thing that can be helped. By separating from the dog at short intervals initially, and giving a big hello when you return, the dog will gain confidence and become more independent. You should not make an issue of your departure.

One of the tricks to keeping that dogs mind alert, is to keep teaching new things. By spending time teaching your dog and stimulating him with new small challenges, he will be more receptive to the training. It may take the dog a little longer to fall and roll over when you point your finger and say "bang", but it can be done.

Old dogs are wonderful. If you have had them for a few years you will notice the gradual changes and some of the challenges that are staring him in the face. It is the leaders job to make those challenges less threatening and as thanks for being a great pet, help the dog along the way.